Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a wholesome, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, fresh zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for a healthy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until well coated with the seasoning and oil.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps the chicken cook through and vegetables to soften while keeping moisture in.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top turns golden and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, then serve warm and enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake!
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier texture.
- Feel free to use feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a more authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- If zucchini is watery, pat slices dry with paper towels before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
- Optional red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
